In the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where economic drivers and cost structures can differ significantly from national benchmarks. Local market dynamics and the specific demand within this sector play a crucial role in shaping compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,840 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.04, the job market in Northwest Illinois demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable, and perhaps growing, demand for these roles within the region, indicating a robust employment landscape for food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-7.6%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,769
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Illinois have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living increases and the demand for skilled service workers remains consistent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,923 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,740 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,538 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,470 | $19.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,230 in Northwest Illinois aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal income is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
11,840
Total Jobs
92.259
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.04 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates that this sector is slightly more concentrated in Northwest Illinois than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence and potentially a competitive job market, where the number of jobs relative to the workforce is marginally higher, implying consistent opportunities for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,730↑ 2% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,510↑ 1% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,400↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,960↑ 2% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,280↑ 3% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $33,230. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $40,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 7.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $33,230 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,730) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 11,840 in this sector suggests a substantial pool of professionals, which can indicate both a stable job market and potential competition for available positions.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.04 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient slightly above 1.04 signifies that Northwest Illinois has a marginally higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs compared to the national average, suggesting good, but not overwhelmingly abundant, opportunities.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $33,230 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it neither stretches further nor falls significantly short compared to other regions.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this region?
Yes, as in most regions, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting a typical career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,840 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 92.259 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area